Salisbury

Salisbury Arts Centre is inviting a local visual artist to lead a participatory arts project that will engage the public in community arts as well as their local history through creatively responding to the idea of the Salisbury Giant.

Background

The Salisbury Giant housed in Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum stands over 12ft tall and is decorated with coats of arms. He was originally used by the Salisbury Guild of Tailors during the medieval period to exhibit the clothing they had produced as well as for their annual celebration on midsummer’s day. The tailors flourished in Salisbury during this period due to the prosperity which was brought to the town through the wool trade and cloth manufacture. Later the Giant was used for public celebrations, such as coronations or jubilees, along with his companion Hob-Nob who cavorted in front of the procession to clear the way.

The Brief

We are inviting an artist to respond to the theme of the Giant and its symbol as a celebration of Salisbury by creating a community arts project that engages the public in the creation of a temporary sculptural work/s that can be made by and/or added to by members of the public. The materials used could reflect Salisbury’s rich textile history or perhaps take a modern twist on the giant’s medieval roots or purpose. Your challenge is to encourage meaningful participation by Wiltshire residents in a pressured environment, to highlight this part of Salisbury’s history and to enable the creation of a surprising and visually impressive piece of local artwork. The giant will be created by hundreds of local people of all ages who will drop-in throughout the day as part of Wiltshire’s celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year. You will need to be able to transport/carry the work created to the Guildhall at the end of the day (with assistance from Guildhall staff if needed) where it will be displayed to the public.

The fee for the project is £2500 inclusive of preparation, research time, attendance on the day, materials and VAT. Funding for the project has come from the Salisbury Area Board.

When and Where

The project will take place on Tuesday 1 May 2012, 10am – 5.30pm in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral, adjacent to Salisbury’s Tournament tent. The tent can be used to store materials, and in the event of bad weather it may become appropriate to construct the art work within the tent.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Consideration of the Brief
• Creative Concept
• Strength of Vision and Impact
• Knowledge of Salisbury’s history
• Familiarity with Salisbury’s current community
• Potential for Community Engagement
• Deliverability

Contract and Support

Prior to the delivery of the work Salisbury Arts Centre will provide a contract and support for the selected artist.

How to Apply

Please send a brief proposal, CV, outline budget and up to six images to info@salisburyarts.co.uk 

Artists whose proposals have been short listed will be invited for an informal interview at Salisbury Arts Centre on Monday 19 March.

Any additional enquiries should be directed to Melanie Evans, Administration and Projects Coordinator, or Gemma Okell, Assistant Director on 01722 343020.